What this calculator does
The Golf Calories Burned Calculator estimates how many calories (kilocalories) you burn during a round of golf. It uses the internationally standard METs (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) method, the same approach referenced by public-health bodies worldwide, including Japan's "Physical Activity Standards for Health Promotion 2013." Because the METs formula is universal, this tool applies anywhere, regardless of country.
How to use it
Enter your body weight in kilograms, the time you spent playing in minutes, and choose a METs value that matches how you played. Walking while carrying your clubs is the most demanding (around 4.5 METs), walking while pulling clubs is slightly easier (~4.3), and riding a power cart is the lightest (~3.5). The default 4.8 represents general golf. The calculator converts minutes to hours and returns an estimated gross calorie burn.
The formula explained
The core equation is $$\text{Calories} = \text{METs} \times \text{Weight (kg)} \times \frac{\text{Time (min)}}{60} \times 1.05$$ One MET represents resting energy use, roughly 1.05 kcal per kilogram of body weight per hour. Multiplying by the activity's MET value scales that up to the intensity of golf. Time entered in minutes is first divided by 60 to get hours.
Worked example
A 60 kg golfer plays general golf (4.8 METs) for 90 minutes. First, \(90 / 60 = 1.5\) hours. Then $$4.8 \times 60 \times 1.5 \times 1.05 = 453.6 \text{ kcal}$$ So they burn about 454 kcal.
FAQ
Is this gross or net calories? It is gross energy expenditure and does not subtract the calories you would have burned at rest, so treat it as an approximate upper estimate.
Which METs value should I pick? Golf typically ranges from about 3.5 (riding a cart) to 4.8 (general/brisk walking play). Choose the option closest to your style.
Why the 1.05 constant? It is the widely used conversion factor relating MET-hours to kcal per kilogram of body mass; omitting it would underestimate the burn.
